Brush cleaner

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for cleaning a brush. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes the brush and a cleaner assembly. The brush includes a plurality of bristles and a channel. The cleaner assembly is configured to remove hair from the plurality of bristles. The cleaner assembly includes a frame and a flange coupled to the frame. The flange is configured to be inserted into and travel within the channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.15/920,324 filed Mar. 13, 2018, entitled “BRUSH CLEANER” (AttorneyDocket No. ALLC.P0002US), the disclosures of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a brush cleaner, and, butnot by way of limitation, to methods, devices, and systems for cleaningor removing hair from a brush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A brush, such as a hairbrush, is typically used in grooming and personalcar applications for styling and detangline hair. In some situations,the brush can be used along with another device, such as spray bottle, astraightener, a blow dryer, and/or a curling iron. A conventional brushincludes bristles, which can vary in size, shape, number, density,placement, etc., depending on the brush. During use of the brush, hair,hair product, or both often accumulate on the brush. For example, hairmay become accumulated and entangled with the bristles thus creating amat of hair. Overtime, a brush may become less effective during use ashair and/or hair product is accumulated by the brush and the brush hasto be “cleaned” to remove the accumulated hair.

Cleaning a brush to remove hair and/or hair product from the brush isoften a tedious and time consuming task, which can be made all the moredifficult depending on the configuration and design of the brush and/orthe bristles. Additionally, as a brush accumulates more and more hairover time, cleaning the brush becomes more difficult as the mat of hairin the bristles becomes thicker, denser, and/or more entangled. To cleanthe brush, a user may employ his or her fingers to physically remove thehair from the brush. Additionally, or alternatively, a device may beused to remove hair from and/or clean the brush. For example, a handleof a comb or other object is repeatedly inserted between the bristlesand is operated to pry the hair from the bristles. As another example,rake-type devices have been designed to be raked several times acrossthe bristles to loosen and remove hair from the brush. As anotherexample, a brush may include a self-cleaning feature in which one ormore plates are positioned near a base of the bristles and the plate islilted to push and remove the hair from the bristles. Each of theseconventional devices and/or techniques for cleaning a brush can vary ineffectiveness, convenience, complexity, duration, and cost to implementbased on one or more factors, such as a design/shape of the brush, aconfiguration of the bristles, an amount of hair to be removed, acombination thereof, or the like, as illustrative, non-limitingexamples. For example, use of an object or a self-cleaning feature oftenrequires several passes to remove a majority of the hair. In situationswhere a large amount of hair has accumulated (e.g., the mat of hairentangled by the bristles is quite thick), some objects or self-cleaningfeatures or wholly ineffective and incapable of removing the hairwithout additional and, often, manual intervention, such as usingapplying a pair of scissor to the hair which pose a risk of injury tothe user. Additionally, removal of the hair may damage one or morebristles and result in damage rendering the brush less effective and/orinoperable for future use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally related to systems, devices, andmethods for cleaning a brush, such as a hairbrush. In an aspect of thepresent disclosure, a system includes the brush and a cleaner device.The brush includes a plurality of bristles and one or more channels(e.g., one or more grooves). In some implementations, the brush mayfurther include a bristle portion having a surface and a particularchannel may be a recessed portion of the surface of the bristle portionof the brush. To illustrate, the particular channel may extend between afirst end of the bristle portion and a second end of the bristleportion. The bristle portion may be free from sham edges and may beconfigured to not catch (e.g., snag) hair during use. Additionally oralternatively, the particular channel may be positioned between a firstrow of bristles and a second row of bristles. The brush device may beconfigured to be used with a blow dryer such that the brush (e.g., thebristle portion) and/or the plurality of bristles can withstand highheat of a blow dryer, such as high heat temperatures of greater than orequal to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In some implementations, the bristleportion exhibit high thermal conductivity and, in a particularimplementation, may include ceramic. In a particular implementation, abody of the bristle portion includes a metal, such as aluminum, thatincludes a ceramic coating that may be painted or powder coated onto asurface of the metal. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality ofbristles may include a thin gauge wire (e.g., 0.040 inches), such as analuminum wire.

The cleaner device is configured to remove hair from the plurality ofbristles. The cleaner device includes a frame and one or more flangescoupled to the frame. At least one flange of the one or more flanges maybe configured to be inserted into and travel along the particularchannel, to lift one or more hairs away from the surface of the bristleportion of the brush, or both. In some implementations, a first flangeof the one or more flanges includes a cutter (e.g., an edge or a blade)configured to cut (e.g., break or tear) one or more hairs. The flangeand cutter may be configured/designed such that user injury from thecutter is minimized. Additionally, or alternatively, a second flange ofthe one or more flanges may include a groove configured to collect theone or more hairs. The cleaner device may also include a plurality ofprotrusions coupled to the frame and configured to remove the one ormore hairs from a plurality of bristles of the brush. At least a portionof the plurality of protrusions may be positioned between two flanges ofthe one or more flanges. At least one protrusion of the plurality ofprotrusions includes a cleaner bristle, a cleaner fin, a cleaner hook,or a combination thereof.

To clean the brush (e.g., to remove hair from the plurality ofbristles), at least one flanges of the cleaner device may be insertedinto a first end of a channel of the brush via a first end of the brush.The cleaner device and/or the brush may be moved to position the flangeat a second end of the channel. As a position of the cleaner devicechanges (as the position of the flange changes from the first end of thechannel to the second end of the channel), the one or more flanges ofthe cleaner device may cut and/or collect one or more hairs, theplurality of protrusions may remove the one or more hairs from theplurality of bristles, or both. The cleaner device may he removed fromthe brush via a second end of the brush and the one or more hairscollected and/or removed by the cleaner device may be discarded. In someimplementations, the one or more hairs may be removed from the cleanerdevice manually or using forced air (e.g., a blow dryer).

The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and methods forcleaning a brush (e.g., removing hair from the brush). The systems,devices, and methods described herein advantageously provide anefficient and effective brush cleaner (e.g., a cleaner device). Forexample, the cleaner device is easy to operate and can clean (e.g.,remove hair from) the brush in a single pass. To illustrate, the brushmay have one or more built in features, such as one or more channels, toaccommodate the cleaner device. The one or more channels may beconfigured to engage one or more corresponding structures (e.g.,flanges) of the cleaner device and may direct a path of travel of thecleaner device along a length (along a longitudinal axis) of the brush.Additionally, a configuration of the cleaner device promotes hairremoval from the brush even when the brush has accumulated a relativelylarge amount of hair. To illustrate, the cleaner device includes one ormore flanges and/or protrusions that are configured to lift the hairaway from a surface of the brush and away from the bristles of thebrush. Additionally, the cleaner device is configured to cut one or morehairs during cleaning to make the hair easier to remove. For example, anamount of lift that the cleaner device can provide to hair may belimited if the hair is heavily entangled with the bristles of the brushand/or wraps around the brush. By cutting the hair, the hair is dividedinto small section that and be lifted and removed from the brush. Insome implementations, the cleaner device is configured to cut one ormore hairs as the cleaner device lifts/guides the one or more hairstowards the cutter. At least one pass of the cleaner device is necessaryto remove hair from the brush. In some implementations, a single pass ofcleaner device cleans the brush without damage to the bristles. Thus,the present disclosure provides the systems, devices, and methodsdescribed herein provide safe, convenient, simple, and efficientsystems, devices, and methods for cleaning a brush as compared toconventional approaches.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes a brush and acleaner device. The brush includes a plurality of bristles and achannel. The cleaner device configured to remove hair from the pluralityof bristles. The cleaner device includes a frame and a flange coupled tothe frame. The flange is configured to be inserted into and travel alongthe channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a brush includes aplurality of bristles. The brush further includes a channel configuredto receive a flange of a cleaner device and to enable the flange totravel along the channel. In some implementations, the brush may furtherinclude a bristle portion having a surface and the channel may include arecessed portion of the surface of the bristle portion.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaner device includes aframe and a first flange coupled to the frame. The first flange isconfigured to be inserted into and travel along a first channel of abrush. The flange includes a cutter configured to cut one or more hairs.The cleaner device further comprises a plurality of protrusions coupledto the frame. The plurality of protrusions is configured to remove theone or more hairs from a plurality of bristles of the brush.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning abrush includes inserting a flange of the cleaner device into a first endof a channel of the brush via a first end of the brush. The method alsoincludes moving the cleaner device, the brush, or both to position theflange at a second end of the channel. The method further includesremoving the cleaner device via a second end of the brush.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating acleaner device includes engaging a flange of the cleaner device with achannel. The method also includes cutting, by the flange, one or morehairs between a first bristle of the brush and a second bristle of thebrush. The method further includes removing, by the cleaner device, theone or more hairs from the first and second bristles.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present disclosure in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood. Additional featuresand advantages will be described hereinafter which form the subject ofthe claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilizedas a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying outthe same purposes described herein. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appendedclaims. The aspects which are characterized herein, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages will be better understood from the following description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided forthe purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended asa definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of the present example inventions,reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a systemincluding a brush and a cleaner device;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of another example of the systemof FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates an end view of the example of the system of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of theexample of the system of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1E illustrates a cress-section of a perspective view of the exampleof the system of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B illustrates an end view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2C illustrates another end view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2E illustrates another side view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2F illustrates a top view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2G illustrates a bottom view of the brush of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2H illustrates a cross-section of a perspective view of the brushof FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of the cleaner device ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of the cleaner device ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the cleaner device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D illustrates a rear view of the cleaner device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of the cleaner device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cleaner device of FIG.3A along A-A of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 3G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cleaner device of FIG.3A along B-B of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 4A illustrates an illustrative first stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B illustrates an illustrative first stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4C illustrates an illustrative second stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4D illustrates an illustrative third stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4E illustrates an illustrative fourth stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4F illustrates an illustrative fifth stage of an example of amethod of operating the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of another example of a systemfor cleaning a brush;

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of a perspective view of the systemof FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A illustrates a front perspective view of another example of acleaner device of the system of 5A;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of the cleaner device ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of the cleaner device of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D illustrates a rear view of the cleaner device of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6E illustrates a side view of the cleaner device of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a system forcleaning a brush;

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of another example of the systemof FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-section of a perspective view of the systemof FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B illustrates a first exploded view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8C illustrates a second exploded view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8D illustrates a bottom view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8E illustrates a top view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8F illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8G illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8H illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8I illustrates another side view of the brush of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of the cleaner device ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 9B illustrates another front perspective view of the cleaner deviceof FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9C illustrates a rear perspective view of the example of thecleaner device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9D illustrates a front view of the example of the cleaner device ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 9E illustrates a rear view of the example of the cleaner device ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 9F illustrates a side view of the example of the cleaner device ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 9G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cleaner device of FIG.7A along C-C FIG. 9E;

FIG. 9H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cleaner device of FIG.7A along D-D of FIG. 9E;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of another example of acleaner device;

FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of anotherexample of a cleaner device;

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of another example of a systemfor cleaning a brush;

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of an example of the brush of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C illustrates a front view of an example of a cleaner device ofthe system of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D illustrates an end view of the example of the brush of FIG.12A;

FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective view of another example of a systemfor cleaning a brush;

FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of an example of a cleaner device ofthe system of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C illustrates an end view of the example of the brush of FIG.13A;

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of another example of a systemfor cleaning a brush;

FIG. 14B illustrates a front view of an example of a cleaner device ofthe system of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C illustrates an end view of the example of the brush of FIG.14A;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of cleaninga brush; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method ofoperating a cleaner device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Particular implementations of the present disclosure are described belowwith reference to the drawings. In the description, common features aredesignated by common reference numbers throughout the drawings. As usedherein, various terminology is for the purpose of describing particularimplementations only and is not intended to be limiting ofimplementations. For example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. It may be further understood that the terms“comprises” and “comprising” may be used interchangeably with “includes”or “including.” Additionally, it will be understood that the term“wherein” may be used interchangeably with “where.”

As used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.)used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, anoperation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order ofthe element with respect to another element, but rather merelydistinguishes the element from another element having a same name (butfor use of the ordinal term). The term “coupled” is defined asconnected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarilymechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with eachother. The phrase “and/or” means and or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or Cincludes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, acombination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A,B, and C. In other words, “and/or” operates as an inclusive or.

Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way isconfigured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in otherways than those specifically described. The feature or features of oneembodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though notdescribed or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosureor the nature of a described implementation.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E, illustrative examples of aspects of a system100 of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 1A shows a perspective viewof system 100 including a brush 110 and a cleaner device 114. FIG. 1Bshows another perspective view of system 100, FIG. 1C shows an end viewof system 100, FIG. 1D shows an enlarged perspective view of a portionof system 100, and FIG. 1E shows a cross-section of a perspective viewof system along a longitudinal axis of brash 110. As used herein, acleaner device may also be referred to as a cleaner assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, brush 110 includes a handle portion 116, abristle portion 118, a cap 120, a coupler 121. Additional examples ofbrush 110 are described herein at least with reference to FIGS. 2A-2H.Referring to FIGS. 2A-2H, illustrative examples of aspects of brush 110are shown. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of brush 110, FIG. 2B shows anend view of brush 110, FIG. 2C shows another end view of brush 110, FIG.2D shows a side view of the brush of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2E shows another sideview of brush 110, FIG. 2F shows a top view of brush 110, FIG. 2G showsa bottom view of brush 110, and FIG. 2H shows a cross-section of aperspective view of brush 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E and FIGS. 2A-2H, brush 110 further includes afirst end 126 and a second end 128 that is opposite the first end 126.As shown, first end 126 corresponds to handle portion 116 and second end128 corresponds to cap 120. A longitudinal axis of brush 110 extendsfrom first end 126 to second end 128. Brush 110 has a length L1 fromfirst end 126 to second end 128 along the longitudinal axis of brush110.

Coupler 121 is positioned within (e.g., extends through) bristle portionand is configured to be coupled to handle portion 116 and cap 120 (e.g.,an end cap). For example, coupler 121 includes a first end coupled tohandle portion 116 and a second end coupled to cap 120, such thatbristle portion 118 is positioned intermediate handle portion 116 andthe cap 120. Although a single coupler 121 is shown, in otherimplementations, brush 110 may include multiple couplers. In someimplementations, coupler 121 includes or is incorporated in a screw,such as a plastic screw or a metal screw. In other implementations,brush 110 may include one or more screws coupled to handle portion 116and/or cap 120, as described further herein at least with reference toFIGS. 7A-7C and 8A-8I. In such implementations, the one or more screwsmay be configured to secure bristle portion 118 between handle portion116 and cap 120.

Handle portion 116 is coupled to bristle portion 118 at an interface 122and bristle portion 118 is coupled to cap 120 at an interface 124. Insome implementations, coupler 121 may be omitted from brush 110 andhandle portion 116 and bristle portion 118, and/or bristle portion 118and cap 120, may be permanently coupled (e.g., with an adhesive) or mayhave fittings to provide a snap coupling connection. Each of interface122, 124 may provide a smooth and tight transition between coupledcomponents such that hair does not catch or snag in interface 122, 124.Handle portion 116 includes a handle 130 including one or more ridges131 and one or more valleys 132 defined therein. In someimplementations, the one or more valleys may include or be filled inwith a material, such as a rubber or polymer. The ridges 131 and valleys132 may be configured a user to grip brush 110, such as gripping with auser's thumb. As shown, handle portion 116 includes molding 133 (e.g.,rubber, polymer, etc.) coupled to or formed on a portion of handle 130.Handle portion 116 (e.g., handle 130) includes an opening 134corresponding to a through hole of handle 130.

Bristle portion 118 includes a body 136 and a plurality of bristles,such as a representative bristle 137. It is noted that fewer than all ofthe plurality of bristles have been shown for ease of illustration.Brush 110 may be configured to be used with a blow dryer such that thebrush (e.g., the bristle portion) and/or the plurality of bristles canwithstand high heat of a blow dryer, such as high heat temperatures ofgreater than or equal to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In someimplementations, the bristle portion 118 may exhibit high thermalconductivity and, in a particular implementation, may include a ceramicor other thermally conductive material. In a particular implementation,body 136 includes a metal, such as aluminum, that includes a ceramiccoating (or other thermally conductive material coating) that may bepainted or powder coated onto a surface of the metal. Additionally, oralternatively, the plurality of bristles may include a thin gauge wire(e.g., 0.040 inches), such as an aluminum wire. Body 136 (e.g., bristleportion 118) may have a barrel shape or a fiat shape (e.g., rectangularblock shape, oval block shape, etc.). In some implementations, body 136is hollow, which may promote air flow through body 136, avoid overheating of bristle portion, and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Body 136includes a surface 138 having a plurality of openings, such as arepresentative opening 139, defined therein. In some implementations,surface 138 may be associated with or correspond to an outward facingsurface and/or a surface that is positioned toward hair during use ofbrush 110.

Body 136 includes one or more channels, such as a representative channel140. As shown, the one or more channels (e.g., 140) include recessedportions of surface 138 of bristle portion 118. For example, aparticular channel (e.g., 140) is defined by one or more sidewalls ofsurface 138, a bottom wall of surface 138, or a combination thereof,such as both the one or more sidewalls and the bottom wall. In someimplementations, brush 110 includes channels formed in differentsurfaces, as describe further with reference to at least FIGS. 13A-13Cand 14A-14C. For example, a brush may have a bristle portion thatincludes multiple surfaces, such as a top surface, a bottom surface, anend surface, a side surface, or a combination thereof, as illustrative,non-limiting examples.

Channel 140 has a length that extends in the longitudinal direction ofbrush 110 from a first end (corresponding to interface 122) of bristleportion 118 (e.g., body 136) to a second end (corresponding to interface124) of bristle portion 118 (e.g., body 136). As shown, first end ofbody 136 is opposite second end of body 136. As shown, each channel 140is straight between first end of body 136 and second end of body 136.Additionally, or alternatively, at least one channel of the one or morechannels may be curved (e.g., arched, sinusoidal, helical, etc.). Eachof the channels 140 may be aligned with a corresponding lead in featureof handle portion 116 and a corresponding lead in feature of cap 120.For example, as shown, channel 140 is aligned with lead in feature 142of handle portion 116 and with lead in feature 143 of cap 120. In someimplementations, each lead in feature 142, 143 may be tapered to expandin a direction away from channels 140. A tapered configuration of thelead in features 142, 143 may enable easier and more efficient alignmentof cleaner device 114 with the one or more channels (e.g., 140) asdescribed further herein.

The plurality of bristles may be coupled to the coupler 121 at least aportion of each bristle (e.g., 137) of the plurality of bristles extendsfrom or through surface 138 of body 136 (e.g., bristle portion 118). Itis noted that coupler 121 may optionally be considered to be part ofbristle portion 118. In some implementations, brush 110 may not includecoupler 121, as described further herein at least with reference toFIGS. 12A-12D, 13A-13C, and 14A-14C. In such implementations, theplurality of bristles may be coupled to or otherwise secured to body136.

The plurality of bristles (e.g., 137) and/or the plurality of openings(e.g., 139) may be arranged in a one or more rows, in a pattern,randomly, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, it is noted that thearrangement shown is not intended to limiting and other arrangements arepossible. In a particular implementation, channel (e.g., 140 is arecessed portion of 138 and is positioned between a first set ofbristles (e.g., a first row that extends from the first end of body 136to the second end of body 136) of the plurality of bristles and a secondset of bristles (e.g., a second row that extends from the first end ofbody 136 to the second end of body 136) of the plurality of bristles.

Body 136 may have a diameter D1 (e.g., a barrel diameter) in a planethat is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of brush 110. Thediameter D1 may include ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1⅜ inches, 1¾ inches, 2⅛inches, 2½ inches, or 3⅛ inches, as illustrative, non-limiting examples.A diameter D2 (e.g., a bristle diameter) in a plane that isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of brush 110 may correspond to adistance from a bristle tip of a first bristle (e.g., 137) to anotherbristle tip of a second bristle that is opposite the first bristle. Thediameter D2 may include ⅞ inch, 1¼ inches, 1½ inches, 2 inches, 2⅜inches, 3 inches, 3½ inches, or 4¼ inches. The diameter D2 is greaterthan the diameter D1.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E, cleaner device 114 is configured to removehair from plurality of bristles, as described herein. Additional,examples of cleaner device 114 are described herein, at least withreference to FIGS. 3A-3G. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3G, examples of aspectsof cleaner device 114 are shown. FIG. 3A shows a front perspective viewof cleaner device 114, FIG. 3B shows a rear perspective view of cleanerdevice 114, FIG. 3C shows a front view of cleaner device 114, FIG. 3Dshows a rear view of cleaner device 114, FIG. 3E shows a side view ofcleaner device 114, FIG. 3F shows a cross-sectional view of cleanerdevice 114, and FIG. 3G shows a cross-sectional view of cleaner device114. Cleaner device 114 may include or be formed from a metal, an alloy,a plastic a polymer), or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E and 3A-3G, cleaner device 114 includes a frame150, one or more protrusions 154, and one or more flanges, such as arepresentative first flange 156 and a representative second flange 158.For example, frame 150 may be coupled to the one or more protrusions 154and to the one or more flanges. As shown, cleaner device 114 has a ringshape that is circular. In other implementations, the ring shape may benon-circular, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12D and 13A-13C.Alternatively, cleaner device 114 may have another shape (e.g., anon-ring shape), such as a U-shape, as an illustrative, non-limitingexample. An example of a U-shape is describe with reference to FIGS.14A-14C.

Cleaner device 114 (e.g., frame) further includes a first end 180 and asecond end 182 that is opposite the first end 180. A longitudinal axisof cleaner device 114 extends from first end 180 to second end 182.Cleaner device 114 has a length L2 from first end 180 to second end 182along the longitudinal axis of cleaner device 114. Length L2 may belarge enough to provide a user to hold cleaner device 114 and to keepthe user's hand free from contact with brush 110 as cleaner device 114is operated to clean brush 110. In some implementations, length L2 maybe equal to an end-to-end length (from interface 122 to interface 124)of bristle portion 118. Alternatively, length L2 may be greater than orless than the end-to-end length of bristle portion 118.

Frame 150 may include one or more outer surfaces, such as representativeouter surface 164, and one or more inner surfaces, such asrepresentative inner surface 166. In some implementations, a molding maybe coupled to or formed on outer surface 164. Frame 150 may be coupledto one or more protrusions 154 and one or more flanges (e.g., 156, 158).The one or more protrusions and the one or more flanges may bepositioned between the first opening 160 and the second opening 162. Atleast one of the one or more flanges (e g., 156, 158) is configured tobe inserted into and travel along one of the channels (e.g., 140). Insome implementations, each of the one or more flanges is configured tobe inserted into and configured to travel along the channels.

First flange 156 includes a cutter 170 configured to cut hair entangledin the plurality of bristles. For example, cutter 170 may include afirst edge that faces first opening 160. Additionally, or alternatively,cutter 170 may include a second edge that faces first opening 160. Insome implementations, cleaner device 114 may include a second cutterthat includes an edge that faces second opening 162, as describedfurther herein with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C and 9A-9H. The cutter(s)170 may include one or more blades or may be formed by an edge of aflange structure, as illustrative, non-limiting example. As shown inFIG. 3F, flange 156 includes two blades having a “V” configuration. Insome implementations, cutter 170 may be incorporated into or offset froma hair lift feature of a flange that includes the cutter. For example,as shown in FIG. 3F, one of the two blades may be configured to lift(e.g., guide) hair along the blade and towards the other blade. Secondflange 158 includes a first groove 172 configured to collect one or morehairs. First groove 172 of second flange 158 face first opening 160. Asshown in FIG. 3G, flange 158 includes a hair lift feature that lifts(e.g., guides) hair to groove 172, also referred to herein as areservoir (e.g., a hair collection reservoir). In some implementations,second flange 158 includes a second groove configured to collect one ormore hairs and that faces the second opening 162, as described furtherherein with reference to FIGS. 9A-9H. As shown, cleaner device 114includes two flanges 156 having cutters 170 and four flanges 158 havinggrooves 172. In other implementations, a cleaner device 114 may includea single flange 156 having a cutter or more than two flanges 156 havingcutters, may include fewer than four flanges 158 having grooves (e.g.,In some implementations, cleaner device 114 may include fewer or moreprotrusions 154 than shown. Additionally, or alternatively, one or moreof flange 156, flange 158, or a protrusion (e.g., 154) may include arubber end to promote cleaning and removal of material and/or hairproduct coupled to surface 138 and/or within channels (e.g., 140).

The one or more protrusions 154 are configured to remove the one or morehairs from the plurality of bristles. At least one protrusion of theplurality of protrusions includes a cleaner bristle, a cleaner fin, acleaner hook, or a combination thereof, as illustrative, non-limitingexamples. In some implementations, the one or more protrusions are sizedand/or positioned so as not to touch or otherwise contact surface 138.For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, protrusions 154 to not contact surface138. As shown, each of the protrusions 154 extend the same height fromsurface 166. In other implementations, one or more of the protrusions154 may extend different heights from surface 166. As shown in FIG. 1D,protrusions are aligned with gaps between bristles (e.g., gaps betweenopenings defined in surface 138). Positioning protrusions 154 to bealigned with reduces and/or limits an opposing force provided by thebristles on cleaner device 114 as cleaner device travels along bristleportion 118.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4F, illustrative stages of a method of operatingsystem 100 are shown. The method of FIGS. 4A-4F may be performed usingsystem 100 (e.g., brush 110 and cleaner device 114). For example, themethod may be used to clean brush 110 (e.g., remove hair from theplurality of bristles) by passing brush 110 through cleaner device 114.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a first stage 400 of the method of operatingsystem 100 is shown. At first stage 400, cleaner device 114 ispositioned at first end 126 of brush 110 to be used to clean brush 110.For example, cleaner device 114 is positioned so first end 126 can passthrough first opening 160 and then pass through second opening ofcleaner device 114. Accordingly, a first end of frame 150 (correspondingto first opening 160) is positioned so that the first end faces adirection of travel of first flange 156 toward bristle portion 118.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a second stage 410 of the method of operatingsystem 100 is shown. At second stage 410, cleaner device 114 hasadvanced along handle portion 116 of brush 110 and is positioned to suchthat flange (e.g., 156, 158) is to be inserted into and travel along acorresponding channel of brush 110. For example, after cleaner deviceadvances over first end 126 of brush 110, first flange 156 may bepositioned to be inserted into channel 140 via a first end of channel140.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a third stage 420 of the method of operatingsystem 100 is shown. At third stage 420, one or more flanges (e.g., 156,158) has been engaged with one or more lead in features 142 of handleportion 116. The tapered configured of the lead in features 142, 143 mayenable easier and more efficient alignment of cleaner device 114 withthe one or more channels (e.g., 140) as s user does not have to exactlyalign a flange with the channel as the cleaner device is moved towardthe bristle portion. Rather, a user aligns the flange with the largertapered opening of the lead in feature and the lead in feature operatesto guide and/or direct the flange into alignment with the channel.

Referring to FIG. 4D, a fourth stage 430 of the method of operatingsystem 100 is shown. At fourth stage 430, one or more flanges (e.g.,156, 158) has been engaged with one or more channels (e.g., 140) ofbrush 110 and has advanced along the one or more channels. To advance aposition of cleaner device 114 with respect to brush 110, moving occurby cleaner device 114, brush 110, or both. As cleaner device 114advances, first flange 156 lifts and/or cuts one or more hairs between afirst bristle of the brush 110 and a second bristle of the brush 110.The one or more hairs may be coupled to or otherwise entangled in theplurality of bristles of brush 110. Additionally, or alternatively, ascleaner device 114 advances, second flange 158 may lift the one or morehairs away from surface 138 and/or the one or inure protrusions (e.g.,154) may remove the one or more cut hairs from the plurality ofbristles. Cutting the hair reduces a tensile strength of the hair andimproves efficiency of the hair by second flange 158 and protrusions154, thus enabling cleaner device 114 to clean brush 110 in a singleend-to-end pass. It is noted that in some implementations, bristles maybe bent or otherwise pushed (in a direction of travel of cleaner device114) by cleaner device 114 as cleaner device travels along bristleportion 118. Bending of the bristles may promote easier removal of hairfrom the bristles by cleaner device 114.

Referring to FIG. 4E, a fifth stage 440 of the method of operatingsystem 100 is shown. At fifth stage 440, cleaner device is positioned atsecond end of bristle portion 118. Referring to FIG. 4F, a sixth stage450 of the method of operating system 100 is shown. At sixth stage 450,cleaner device 114 has been removed from brush 110 via second end 128 ofbrush 110. One or more hairs collected by cleaner device 114 and removedfrom brush 110 may then be removed from cleaner device 114.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1F, in a particular implementation of system100 including brush 110 and cleaner device 114, brush 110 includesplurality of bristles (e.g., 137) and channel (e.g., 140). Cleanerdevice 114 includes frame 150 and flange (156, 158) coupled to frame150. Flange 156, 158 is configured to be inserted into and travel alongchannel (e.g., 140). In some implementations, brush 110 includes bristleportion 118 (e.g., body 136) having surface 138. At least a portion ofeach bristle (e.g., 137) of the plurality of bristles extends from orthrough surface 138 of bristle portion 118 (e.g., body 136). In suchimplementations, flange (156, 158) may be configured to lift the hair ina direction away from surface 138. Channel (e.g., 140) includes arecessed portion of surface 138. In some implementations, brush 110further includes a second channel. The second channel may include arecessed portion of a second surface of the bristle portion of brush.The second surface of the bristle portion distinct may be distinct fromthe surface of the bristle portion, as describe at least with referenceto FIGS. 13A-13C and 14A-14C.

In some implementations, brush 110 further includes a plurality ofchannels (that include the channel 140). Each channel is configured toreceive the flange (e.g., 156, 158). In a particular implementation,cleaner device 114 includes a plurality of flanges and wherein theplurality of flanges is configured to be inserted into the plurality ofchannels. As shown, the plurality of flanges includes a first number offlanges and the plurality of channels includes a second number ofchannels, and wherein the second number of channels is greater than orequal to the first number of flanges.

In a particular implementation, a system 100 for removing hairaccumulated in bristles (e.g., 137) of brush 110 includes brush 110 anda cleaner assembly (e.g., 114). Brush 110 includes a plurality ofbristles (e.g., 137) and a channel (e.g., 140). Cleaner assembly extendsabout at least a partial circumference of brush 110. Cleaner assemblyincludes frame 150 and flange 156, 158 coupled to frame 150. Flange 156,158 is configured to be inserted into and travel within channel 140 andlift hair in a direction away from brush 110 as flange 156, 158 travelswithin channel 140.

In another particular implementation, a system 100 for removing hairaccumulated in bristles (e.g., 137) of brush 110 includes brush 110 anda cleaner assembly (e.g., 114). Brush 110 includes a plurality ofbristles (e.g., 137) and a channel (e.g., 140). The plurality ofbristles includes a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles.Each of the first set of bristles and the second set of bristles mayinclude one or more bristles. Channel 140 may be positioned between thefirst set of bristles and the second set of bristles. For example, thechannel 140 may include a recessed channel positioned between the firstand second set of bristles. Cleaner assembly includes a flange 156, 156configured to be inserted into and travel within channel 140. Cleanerassembly further includes a frame 150 coupled to the flange 1566, 158and configured to extend about at least a partial circumference of brush110 when flange 156, 158 is positioned within channel 158. Cleanerassembly may be configured to lift hair in a direction away from brush110 as flange 156, 158 travels within channel 140. For example, the hairmay be coupled to (e.g., extend between) the first and second set ofbristles.

One advantage provided by the system 100 (e.g., brush 110 and cleanerdevice 114) is that the system 100 provides an efficient and effectivebrush cleaner (e.g., a cleaner device). For example, the cleaner device114 is easy to operate and can clean (e.g., remove hair from) the brushin a single pass. To illustrate, brush 110 has one or more built infeatures, such as one or more channels (e.g., 140), to accommodatecleaner device 114. The one or more channels may be configured to engageone or more corresponding structures (e.g., flanges 156, 158) of cleanerdevice 114 and may direct or guide a path of travel of cleaner device114 along a length (along a longitudinal axis) of brush 110.Additionally, cleaner device 114 promotes hair removal from brush 110even when brush 110 has accumulated a relatively large amount of hair.To illustrate, cleaner device 114 includes one or more flanges (e.g.,156, 158) and/or protrusions (e.g., 154) that are configured to lift thehair away from surface 138 and away from the bristles of brush 110.Additionally, cleaner device 114 is configured to cut one or more hairsduring cleaning to make the hair easier to remove. For example, anamount of lift that cleaner device 114 can provide to hair may belimited if the hair is heavily entangled with the bristles of brush 110and/or wraps around brush 110. By cutting the hair, the hair is dividedinto small section that and be lifted and removed from brush 110. Insome implementations, cleaner device 114 is configured to cut one ormore hairs as cleaner device 114 lifts/guides the one or more hairstowards cutter 170. At least one pass of cleaner device 114 is necessaryto remove hair from brush 110. In some implementations, a single pass ofcleaner device 114 cleans brush 110 without damage to the bristles ofbrush 110. Thus, system 100 provides a safe convenient, simple, andefficient devices and techniques for cleaning a brush as compared toconventional approaches.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, examples of aspects of a system 500 of thepresent disclosure are shown. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of system500 and FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of a perspective view of system500. System 500 includes a brush 510 and a cleaner device 514. System500 may include or correspond to system 100 as described herein. Forexample, brush 510 may include or correspond to brush 110, and cleanerdevice 514 may include or correspond to cleaner device 114.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, brush 510 includes a handle portion 516, abristle portion 518, a cap 520, and a coupler 521. Handle portion 516,bristle portion 518, cap 520, and coupler 521 may include or correspondto handle portion 116, bristle portion 118, cap 120, and coupler 121,respectively. For example, handle portion 516 may include one or morefeatures (e.g., ridges 131) as described with reference to handleportion 116. As another example, coupler 521 may be configured to becoupled to handle portion 516 and cap 520 in a manner that is the sameas or similar to coupler 121 being coupled to handle portion 116 and tocap 120. Handle portion 516 is coupled to bristle portion 518 at aninterface 522 and bristle portion 518 is coupled to cap 520 at aninterface 524. As shown, handle portion 516 is hollow, which maycontribute to design and/or manufacturing cost savings. Additionally, asshown, a longitudinal axis of brush 510 extends from a first end 526 toa second end 528 of brush 510. Brush 510 has a length L3 from first end526 to second end 528 along the longitudinal axis of brush 510.

Bristle portion 518 includes a body 536 and a plurality of bristles,such as a representative bristle 537. It is noted that fewer than all ofthe plurality of bristles have been shown for ease of illustration. Body536 includes a surface 538 having a plurality of openings, such as arepresentative opening 539, defined therein. Body 536 includes one ormore channels, such as a representative channel 540. Body 536, surface538, opening 539, and channel 540 may include or correspond to body 136,surface 138, opening 139, and channel 140. Body 536 may have a diameterD3 (e.g., a barrel diameter) in a plane that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of brush 510. A diameter D4 (e.g., a bristle diameter)in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of brush 510may correspond to a distance from a bristle tip of a first bristle 537)to another bristle tip of a second bristle that is opposite the firstbristle. For example, diameter D3 and diameter D4 may include orcorrespond to diameter D1 and diameter D2, respectively.

Cleaner device 514 is configured to remove hair from plurality ofbristles of brush 510. Additional, examples of cleaner device 514 aredescribed herein, at least with reference to FIGS. 6A-6E. FIG. 6A showsa front perspective view of cleaner device 514, FIG. 6B shows a rearperspective view of cleaner device 514, FIG. 6C shows a front view ofcleaner device 514, FIG. 6D shows a rear view of cleaner device 514, andFIG. 6E shows a side view of cleaner device 514.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6E, cleaner device 514 includes frame550, one or more protrusions 554, and one or more flanges, such as arepresentative first flange 556 and a representative second flange 558.Frame 550, protrusions 554, and flanges 556, 558 may include orcorrespond to frame 150, protrusions 154, and flanges 156, 158,respectively. For example, flange 556 includes a cutter 570 (e.g., acutter 170) configured to cut hair entangled in the plurality ofbristles. Cutter 570 includes one or more edges, such as one or moreblades, or cutter 570 is shaped/formed to have a sharp edge. As shown,protrusions 554 include a cleaner fin (e.g., a cleaner flange).

A longitudinal axis of cleaner device 514 extends from a first end 560to a second end 562 of cleaner device 514. Cleaner device 514 has alength L4 from first end 560 to second end 562 along the longitudinalaxis of cleaner device 514. Length L4 may be large enough to provide auser to hold cleaner device 514 and to keep the user's hand free fromcontact with brush 510 as cleaner device 514 is operated to clean brush510. In some implementations, length L4 may be equal to an end-to-endlength (from interface 522 to interface 524) of bristle portion 518.Alternatively, length L4 may be greater than or less than the end-to-endlength of bristle portion 118. As compared to the cleaner device 114 (asshown) of system 100, cleaner device 514 of system 500 is larger inrelation to bristle portion 518. However, it is noted that a size ofcleaner device 114 and/or a size of cleaner device 514 is not intendedto be limited or restricted.

One advantage provided by the system 500 (e.g., brush 510 and/or cleanerdevice 514) includes enabling efficient cleaning a brush (e.g., removinghair from the brush). For example, system 500 may clean (e.g., removehair from) the brush in a single pass. Additionally, cleaner device 514promotes hair removal from brush 510 during operation of the cleanerdevice 514 even when brush 510 has accumulated a relatively large amountof hair. To illustrate, during operation of cleaner device 514, cleanerdevice 514 may lift the hair away from surface 538 of brush 510 and awayfrom the bristles of brush 510. Additionally, during operation ofcleaner device 514, cleaner device 514 may cut one or more hairs duringcleaning to make the hair easier to remove. Thus, system 500 enablessafe, convenient, simple, and efficient techniques for cleaning a brushas compared to conventional approaches.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, examples of aspects of a system 700 of thepresent disclosure are shown. FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of system700, FIG. 7B shows another perspective view of system 700, and FIG. 7Cshows a cross-section of a perspective view of system 700. System 700includes a brush 710 and a cleaner device 714. System 700 may include orcorrespond to system 100 or the system 500 as described herein. Forexample, brush 710 may include or correspond to brush 110, 510, andcleaner device 714 may include or correspond to cleaner device 114, 514.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, brush 710 includes a handle portion 716, abristle portion 718, a cap 720, a coupler 721, and one or more screw,such as a representative screw 788. Additional examples of brush 710 aredescribed herein at least with reference to FIGS. 8A-8I. Referring toFIGS. 8A-8I, illustrative examples of aspects of brush 710 are shown.FIG. 8A shows an exploded view of brush 710, FIG. 8B shows an end viewof brush 710, FIG. 8C shows another end view of brush 710, FIG. 8D showsa side view of brush 710, FIG. 8E shows another side view of brush 710,FIG. 8F shows a top view of brush 710, FIG. 8G shows a bottom view ofbrush 710, and FIG. 8H shows a cross-section of a perspective view ofbrush 710, and FIG. 8I shows another cross-section of a perspective viewof brush 710.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and FIGS. 8A-8I, brush 710 further includes afirst end 726 and a second end 728 that is opposite the first end 726.As shown, first end 726 corresponds to handle portion 716 and second end728 corresponds to cap 720. A longitudinal axis of brush 710 extendsfrom first end 726 to second end 728. Brush 710 has a length L5 fromfirst end 726 to second end 728 along the longitudinal axis of brush710.

Coupler 721 is positioned within (e.g., extends through) bristle portionand is configured to be coupled to handle portion 716 and cap 720 (e.g.,an end cap). For example, coupler 721 includes a first end coupled tohandle portion 716 and a second end coupled to cap 720, such thatbristle portion 718 is positioned intermediate handle portion 716 andthe cap 720.

The one or more screws (e.g., 788) are coupled to handle portion 716 andcap 720. Each of the screws may be configured to secure bristle portion718 between handle portion 716 and cap 720. The one or more screws(e.g., 788) may include one or more metal screws, one or more plasticscrews, or a combination thereof. Screw 788 includes a screw head 789, ashaft 790, and threads 791. As shown, screw 788 is inserted through cap720 and bristle portion 718, and threads 791 are coupled tocorresponding threads of handle portion 716. In other implementations,brush 710 may be configured such that screw 788 is inserted throughhandle portion 716 and bristle portion 718, and threads are coupled tocorresponding threads of cap 720. Although described as having one ormore screws (e.g., 788), in other implementations, brush 710 mayalternatively (or in addition to) include one or more fasteners otherthan a screw that are coupled handle portion 716 to cap 720 or thatsecurely couple bristle portion 718 between handle portion 716 and cap720. To illustrate, brush 710 may include a fastener, such as a bolt, aspring, a tab, a clip, a magnet, or a combination thereof, asillustrative, non-limiting examples.

Handle portion 716, bristle portion 718, cap 720, and coupler 721 mayinclude or correspond to handle portion 116, 516, bristle, portion 118,5118, cap 120, 520, and coupler 121, 521, respectively. For example,handle portion 716 may include one or more features (e.g., ridges 131)as described with reference to handle portion 116. Handle portion 716 iscoupled to bristle portion 718 at an interface 722 and bristle portion718 is coupled to cap 720 at an interface 724.

Bristle portion 718 includes a body 736 and a plurality of bristles,such as a representative bristle 737. It is noted that fewer than all ofthe plurality of bristles have been shown for ease of illustration. Body736 includes a surface 738 having a plurality of openings, such as arepresentative opening 739, defined therein. The plurality of bristlesmay be coupled to the coupler 721 at least a portion of each bristle(e.g., 737) of the plurality of bristles extends from or through surface738 of body 736 (e.g., bristle portion 718). The plurality of bristles(e.g., 737) and/or the plurality of openings (e.g., 739) may be arrangedin a one or more rows, in a pattern, randomly, or a combination thereof.Accordingly, it is noted that the arrangement shown is not intended tolimiting and other arrangements are possible.

Body 736 includes one or more channels, such as a representative channel740. Body 736, surface 738, opening 739, and channel 740 may include orcorrespond to body 136, 536, surface 138, 536, opening 139, 539, andchannel 140, 540. Body 736 may have a diameter D5 (e.g., a barreldiameter) in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofbrush 710. A diameter D6 (e.g., a bristle diameter) in a plane that isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of brush 710 may correspond to adistance from a bristle tip of a first bristle (e.g., 737) to anotherbristle tip of a second bristle that is opposite the first bristle. Forexample, diameter 95 and diameter D6 may include or correspond todiameter D1, D3 and diameter D2, D4, respectively.

Cleaner device 714 is configured to remove hair from plurality ofbristles of brush 710. Additional, examples of cleaner device 5714 aredescribed herein, at least with reference to FIGS. 9A-9H. Referring toFIGS. 9A-9H examples of aspects of a cleaner device 714 are shown. FIG.9A shows a front perspective view of cleaner device 714, FIG. 9B showsanother front perspective view of cleaner device 714, FIG. 9C shows arear perspective view of cleaner device 714, FIG. 9D shows a front viewof cleaner device 714, FIG. 9E shows a rear view of cleaner device 714,FIG. 9F shows a side view of cleaner device 714, FIG. 9G shows across-sectional view of cleaner device 714, and FIG. 9H shows anothercross-sectional view of cleaner device 714.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and 9A-9H, cleaner device 714 includes frame750, one or more protrusions 754, and one or more flanges, such as arepresentative first flange 756 and a representative second flange 758.Frame 750 may include or correspond to frame 150, 550; protrusions 754may include or correspond to protrusions 154, 554; and flanges 756, 758may include or correspond to flanges 156, 158 or flanges 556, 553. Forexample, flange 756 includes a cutter 770 (e.g., a cutter 170, 570)configured to cut hair entangled in the plurality of bristles. Cutter770 includes one or more edges, such as one or more blades, or cutter770 is shaped/formed to have a sharp edge. As shown, protrusions 754include a cleaner fin (e.g., a cleaner flange).

A longitudinal axis of cleaner device 714 extends from a first end 760(of frame 750) to a second end 762 that is opposite the first end 760.Cleaner device 714 has a length L6 from first end 760 to second end 5762along the longitudinal axis of cleaner device 714. Length L6 may belarge enough to provide a user to hold cleaner device 714 and to keepthe user's hand free from contact with brush 710 as cleaner device 714is operated to clean brush 710. In some implementations, length L6 maybe equal to an end-to-end length (from interface 722 to interface 724)of bristle portion 718. Alternatively, length L6 may be greater than orless than the end-to-end length of bristle portion 718. As compared tothe cleaner device 114 (as shown) of system 100, cleaner device 714 ofsystem 700 is larger in relation to bristle portion 718. However, it isnoted that a size of cleaner device 114 and/or a size of cleaner device714 is not intended to he limited or restricted.

Cleaner device 714 is configured to be used to clean a correspondingbrush (e.g., brush 110, 510) by passing the brush through cleaner device714 via either first end 760 or second end 762. To illustrate, each ofthe one or more protrusions 754 and the one or more flanges (e.g., 756,758) are configured to operate in two directions. First flange 756includes a first cutter 770 having one or more edges that face first end760 and includes a second cutter 771 having one or more edges that facesecond end 762. The cutter(s) 170 may include one or more blades or maybe formed by an edge of a flange structure, as illustrative,non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 3F, flange 156 includes twoblades having a “V” configuration. In some implementations, cutter 170may be incorporated into or offset from a hair lift feature of a flangethat includes the cutter. For example, as shown in FIG. 3F, one of thetwo blades may be configured to lift (e.g., guide) hair along the bladeand towards the other blade. Second flange 753 includes a first groove772 that faces first end 760 and includes a second groove 773 that facessecond end 762. As shown in FIG. 3G, flange 158 includes a hair liftfeature that lifts (e.g., guides) hair to groove 172, also referred toherein as a reservoir (e.g., a hair collection reservoir). Protrusions754 are configured to remove hair from bristles using a first haircontact edge that faces first end 760 or using a second hair contactedge that faces second end 762. Thus, cleaner device 714 includes asimplified user operational design in which cleaner device 714 may beused to clean a brush without having to identify or ensure that adirection of travel of the cleaner device is correct.

As shown, cleaner device 714 includes two flanges 756 having cutters 770and four flanges 758 having grooves 772. In other implementations, acleaner device 714 may include a single flange 756 having a cutter ormore than two flanges 756 having cutters, may include fewer than fourflanges 758 having grooves (e.g., a single flange 758) or more than fourflanges 758 having grooves, or a combination thereof. In someimplementations, cleaner device 714 may include fewer or moreprotrusions 754 than shown. Additionally, or alternatively, one or moreof flange 756, flange 758, or a protrusion (e.g., 754) may include arubber end to promote cleaning and removal of material and/or hairproduct coupled to surface 738 and/or within channels (e.g., 740).

One advantage provided by the system 700 (e.g., brush 710 and/or cleanerdevice 714) includes enabling efficient cleaning a brush (e.g., removinghair from the brush). For example, system 700 may clean (e.g., removehair from) the brush in a single pass. Additionally, cleaner device 714is configured to be used in more than one direction to clean brush 710such that cleaner device 714 may be used to clean a brush without havingto identify or ensure that a direction of travel of the cleaner deviceis correct. Another benefit of cleaner device 714 is that cleaner device714 promotes hair removal from brush 710 during operation of the cleanerdevice 714 even when brush 710 has accumulated a relatively large amountof hair. To illustrate, during operation of cleaner device 714, cleanerdevice 714 may lift the hair away from surface 738 of brush 710 and awayfrom the bristles of brush 710. Additionally, during operation ofcleaner device 714, cleaner device 714 may cut one or more hairs duringcleaning to make the hair easier to remove. Thus, system 700 enablessafe, convenient, simple, and efficient techniques for cleaning a brushas compared to conventional approaches.

Referring to FIG. 10, a front perspective view of aspects of an exampleof a cleaner device 1014 is shown. Cleaner device 1014 may include orcorrespond to cleaner device 114, cleaner device 514, or cleaner device714. Cleaner device 1014 includes frame 1050, one or more protrusions1054, and one or more flanges, such as a representative first flange1056 and a representative second flange 1058. Frame 1050 may include orcorrespond to frame 150, frame 550, or frame 750. Protrusions 1054 mayinclude or correspond to protrusions 154, protrusions 554, orprotrusions 754. Flanges 1056, 1058 may include or correspond to flanges156, 158, flanges 556, 558, or flanges 756, 758.

As shown, flange 1056 does not include a blade (e.g., a razor); rather,flange 1056 is shaped to have an edge that is configured to cut or breakhair. The protrusions 1054 include a cleaner flange (e.g., a fin) thatis configured to have a larger contact surface area with an innersurface of cleaner device 1014 as compared to protrusions 154 as shownin at least FIG. 1A. Additionally, as shown, flange 1058 includes asurface in a direction of travel that is flat. In implementations whereflange 1058 is configured to be inserted in a channel of a brush, thesurface of flange 1058 may fill a cross section of the channel and pushmaterial/hair product to advantageously remove the material/hair productfrom the channel.

Referring to FIG. 11, an enlarged perspective view of a portion of anexample of a cleaner device 1114 is shown. Cleaner device 1114 may,include or correspond to cleaner devices 114, 514, 714, 1014. Cleanerdevice 1114 includes frame 1150, one or more protrusions 1054, and oneor more flanges, such as a representative first flange 1156 and arepresentative second flange 1158. Frame 1150 may include or correspondto frame 150, 550, 750, 1050; protrusions 1154 may include or correspondto protrusions 154, 554, 754, 1054; and flanges 1156, 1158 may includeor correspond to flanges 156, 158, flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 758,or flanges 1056, 1058. As shown, as shown, flange 1158 includes asurface in a direction of travel that includes a hook (e.g., a nub). Inimplementations where flange 1158 is configured to be inserted in achannel of a brush, the hook of flange 1158 may advantageously dislodge(e.g. pry up) push material/hair product, or hair in contact with abottom surface of the channel for removal of the material/hair productand/or the hair.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, examples of aspects of a system 1200 areshown. System 1200 includes a brush 1210 and a cleaner device 1214. FIG.12A shows a perspective view of system 1200, FIG. 12B shows a top viewof brush 1210, FIG. 12C shows a front view of cleaner device 1214 ofsystem 1200, and FIG. 12D shows an end view of brush 1210. It is notedthat cleaner device 1214 and end view of brush 1210 are depict as asimplified block-type structures where one or more detailedfeatures/aspects have been omitted for ease of illustration.

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, brush 1210 includes a handle portion 1216 anda bristle portion 1218. Handle portion 1216 is coupled to bristleportion 1218. Handle portion 1216 includes a handle 1230. Bristleportion 1218 includes a body 1236 and a plurality of bristles, such as arepresentative bristle 1237. Body 1236 includes a flat shape (e.g., arectangular block shape). Body 1236 includes one or more channels, suchas a representative channel 1240. In some implementations, body 1236 mayinclude bristles on two different surfaces, such as two oppositesurfaces (e.g., a top surface and a bottom surface) of body 1236. Insuch implementations, one or both of the surfaces may include channelsor have channels formed therein.

Cleaner device 1214 is configured to remove hair from plurality ofbristles of brush 1210. Cleaner device 1214 may include or correspond tocleaner devices 114, 514, 714, 1014, 1114. Cleaner device 1214 includesframe 1250, one or more protrusions 1254 (not represented in FIG. 12Aand represented as dashed lines in FIG. 12B for ease of illustration),and one or more flanges, such as a representative first flange 1256 anda representative second flange 1258. Frame 1250 may include orcorrespond to frame 150, 550, 750, 1050, 1150; protrusions 1254 mayinclude or correspond to protrusions 154, 554, 754, 1054, 1154; andflanges 1256, 1258 may include or correspond to flanges 156, 158,flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 758, flanges 1056, 1058, or flanges 1156,1158. In some implementations, one or more of flanges 1256, 1258, orprotrusions 1254 may be recessed offset) with respect to a first endsurface and/or a second end surface of cleaner device. Inimplementations where body 1236 may include bristles on two differentsurfaces, such as two opposite surfaces (e.g., a top surface and abottom surface) of body 1236, cleaner device 1214 may include additionalflanges 1256, 1258 and/or additional protrusions 1254 to clean bothsides of the brush 1210.

As shown, cleaner device 1214 frame 1250) has a ring shape that isnon-circular. As shown, frame 1250 is generally block shaped. However,frame 1250 having a block shape is for illustration only and othernon-circular ring shapes may be implemented. For example, shape ofcleaner device 1214 (e.g., frame 1250) may be selected based on a shapeof one or more brushes, ergonomic considerations, or a combinationthereof. Accordingly, system 1200 may advantageously be configured toclean a brush that has a bristle portion with a configuration other thana barrel configuration (e.g., a barrel shape).

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, examples of aspects of a system 1300 areshown. System 1300 includes a brush 1310 and a cleaner device 1314. FIG.13A shows a perspective view of system 1300, FIG. 13B shows a front viewof cleaner device 1314, and FIG. 13C shows an end view of brush 1310. Itis noted that cleaner device 1314 and end view of brush 1310 are depictas a simplified block-type structures where one or more detailedfeatures/aspects have been omitted for ease of illustration.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, brush 1310 includes a handle portion 1316 anda bristle portion 1318. Handle portion 1316 is coupled to bristleportion 1318. Handle portion 1316 includes a handle 1330. Bristleportion 1318 includes a body 1336 and a plurality of bristles, such as arepresentative bristle 1337. Body 1336 includes a flat shape (e.g., arectangular oval block shape). Body 1336 includes one or more firstchannels, such as a representative first channel 1340, on or formed in afirst surface 1380, and one or more second channels formed on at leastone second surface, such as representative second surface 1382 that isdistinct from first surface 1380. The one or more second channel mayinclude a representative second channel 1386.

Cleaner device 1314 is configured to remove hair from plurality ofbristles of brush 1310. Cleaner device 1314 may include or correspond tocleaner devices 114, 514, 714, 1014, 1114, 1214. Cleaner device 1314includes frame 1350, one or more protrusions 1354 (not represented inFIG. 13A and represented as dashed lines in FIG. 13B for ease ofillustration), and one or more flanges, such as a representative firstflange 1356 and a representative second flange 1358. Frame 1350 mayinclude or correspond to frame 150, 550, 750, 1050, 1150, 1250;protrusions 1354 may include or correspond to protrusions 154, 554, 754,1054, 1154, 1254; and flanges 1356, 1358 may include or correspond toflanges 156, 158, flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 758, flanges 1056,1058, flanges 1156, 1158, or flanges 1256, 1258. As shown, cleanerdevice 1314 (e.g., frame 1350) includes additional flanges 1390, such asguides (e.g., guide projections). The additional flanges 1390 may beconfigured to be inserted into and travel along the one or more secondchannels. In some implementations, one or more of flanges 1356, 1358,1390, or protrusions 1354 may be recessed (e.g., offset) with respect toa first end surface and/or a second end surface of cleaner device.

Accordingly, system 1300 may advantageously be configured to clean abrush that has a bristle portion with a configuration other than abarrel configuration (e.g., a barrel shape). Additionally, the channels1386 and the flanges 1390 may interact to improve alignment, stability,and a path of travel of brush 1310 through cleaner device 1314 ascompared to other systems that do not include channels and flangessimilar or analogous to the channels 1386 and the flanges 1390.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, examples of aspects of a system 1400 areshown. System 1400 includes a brush 1410 and a cleaner device 1414. FIG.14A shows a perspective view of system 1400, FIG. 14B shows a front viewof cleaner device 1414, and FIG. 14C shows an end view of brush 1410. Itis noted that cleaner device 1414 and end view of brush 1410 are depictas a simplified block-type structures where one or more detailedfeatures/aspects have been omitted for ease of illustration.

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, brush 1410 includes a handle portion 1416 anda bristle portion 1418. Handle portion 1416 is coupled to bristleportion 1418. Handle portion 1416 includes a handle 1430. Bristleportion 1418 includes a body 1436 and a plurality of bristles, such as arepresentative bristle 1437. Body 1436 includes a flat shape (e.g., anoval block shape). Body 1436 includes one or more first channels, suchas a representative first channel 1440, on or formed in a first surface1480, and one or more second channels formed on at least one secondsurface, such as representative second surface 1482, that is distinctfrom first surface 1480. The one or more second channel may include arepresentative second channel 1486.

Cleaner device 1414 is configured to remove hair from plurality ofbristles of brush 1410. Cleaner device 1414 may include or correspond tocleaner devices 114, 514, 714, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314. Cleaner device1414 includes frame 1450, one or more protrusions 1454 (not representedin FIG. 14A and represented as dashed lines in FIG. 14B for ease ofillustration), and one or more flanges, such as a representative firstflange 1456 and a representative second flange 1458. Frame 1450 mayinclude or correspond to frame 150, 550, 750, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350;protrusions 1454 may include or correspond to protrusions 154, 554, 754,1054, 1154, 1254, 1354; and flanges 1456, 1458 may include or correspondto flanges 156, 158, flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 755, flanges 1056,1058, flanges 1156, 1158, flanges 1256, 1258, or flanges 1356, 1358.

As shown, cleaner device 1414 (e.g., frame 1450) includes additionalflanges 1490, such as guides (e.g., guide projections). For example, theadditional flanges 1490 may include or correspond to the additionalflanges 1390. The additional flanges 1490 may be configured to beinserted into and travel along the one or more second channels. In someimplementations, one or more of flanges 1456, 1458, 1490, or protrusions1454 may be recessed (e.g., offset) with respect to a first end surfaceand/or a second end surface of cleaner device. Additionally, as shown,cleaner device 1414 (e.g., frame 1450) has a U-shape that isnon-circular. As shown, frame 1450 is generally block shaped. However,frame 1450 having a block shape is for illustration only and othershapes may be implemented. For example, shape of cleaner device 1414(e.g., frame 1450) may be selected based on a shape of one or morebrushes, ergonomic considerations, or a combination thereof.

Accordingly, system 1400 may advantageously be configured to clean abrush that has a bristle portion with a configuration other than abarrel configuration (e.g., a barrel shape). Additionally, the channels1486 and the flanges 1490 may interact to improve alignment, stability,and a path of travel of brush 1410 through cleaner device 1414 ascompared to other systems that do not include channels and flangessimilar or analogous to the channels 1486 and the flanges 1490. Further,the U-shaped construction of frame 1450 may use less material thansimilar ring-shaped constructions, thus providing a cost savings ofmanufacturing cleaner device 1414.

Referring to FIG. 15, a method 1500 of cleaning a brush is shown. Forexample, method 1500 may be performed by system 100 (e.g., cleanerdevice 114), system 500 (e.g., cleaner device 514), system 700 (e.g.,cleaner device 714), cleaner device 1014, cleaner device 1114, system1200 (e.g., cleaner device 1214), system 1300 (e.g., cleaner device1314), or system 1400 (e.g., cleaner device 1414). The brush may includeor correspond to brush 110, brush 510, brush 710, brush 1210, brush1310, or brush 1410.

The method 1500 includes inserting a flange of the cleaner device into afirst end of a channel of the brush via a first end of the brush, at1502. For example, the flange may include or correspond to flanges 156,158, flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 758, flanges 1056, 1058, flanges1156, 1158, flanges 1256, 1258, or flanges 1356, 1358, 1390, flanges1456, 1458, 1490 The channel may include or correspond to channel 140,channel 540, channel 740, channel 1240, channel 1340, 1386, channel1440, 1486. In some implementations, the first end may correspond to ahandle portion of the brush. The method 1500 also includes moving thecleaner device, the brush, or both to position the flange at a secondend of the channel, at 1504. In some implementations, the second end maycorresponds to a bristle portion of the brush. The method 1500 alsoincludes removing the cleaner device via a second end of the brush, at1506. In some implementations, the method 1500 also includes moving thecleaner device over the first end and collecting, at the cleaner device,one or more hairs from a plurality of bristles of the brush.Additionally in some such implementation, or alternatively, the method1500 may include removing the flange from the channel arid removing theone or more hairs from the brush.

Referring to FIG. 16, a method 1600 of operating a cleaner device isshown. For example, method 1600 may be performed by cleaner device 114,cleaner device 514, cleaner device 714, cleaner device 1014, cleanerdevice 1114, cleaner device 1214, cleaner device 1314, or cleaner device1414. The cleaner device configured to remove hair from a plurality ofbristles of a brush. The brush may include or correspond to brush 110,brush 510, brush 710, brush 1210, brush 1310, or brush 1410.

The method 1600 includes engaging a flange of the cleaner device with achannel a brush, at 1602. For example, the flange may include orcorrespond to flanges 156, 158, flanges 556, 558, flanges 756, 758,flanges 1056, 1058, flanges 1156, 1158, flanges 1256, 1258, or flanges1356, 1358, 1390, flanges 1456, 1458, 1490 The channel may include orcorrespond to channel 140, channel 540, channel 740, channel 1240,channel 1340, 1386, channel 1440, 1486. The method 1600 also includescutting, by the flange, one or more hairs between a first bristle of thebrush and a second bristle of the brush, at 1604. The method 1600further includes removing, by the cleaner device, the one or more hairsfrom the first and second bristles, at 1606. In some implementations,removing the one or more hairs may further include collecting, by one ormore protrusions, another flange, or both, the one or more hairs.Additionally, or alternatively, the method 1600 may also include liftingthe one or more hairs from a first position to a second position inwhich the one or more hairs are cut.

Thus, each of the method 1500 of FIG. 15 and the method 1600 of FIG. 16enables cleaning a brush (e.g., removing, hair from the brush). Themethods 1500, 1600 can each be performed to clean (e.g., remove hairfrom) the brush in a single pass. Additionally, a configuration of thecleaner device promotes hair removal from the brush during operation ofthe cleaner device even when the brush has accumulated a relativelylarge amount of hair. To illustrate, during operation of the cleanerdevice, the cleaner device may lift the hair away from a surface of thebrush and away from the bristles of the brush. Additionally, duringoperation of the cleaner device, the cleaner device may cut one or morehairs during cleaning to make the hair easier to remove. Thus, themethods 1500, 1600 provide safe, convenient, simple, and efficienttechniques for cleaning a brush as compared to conventional approaches.

Although one or more of the disclosed figures may illustrate systems,apparatuses, methods, or a combination thereof, according to theteachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to theseillustrated systems, apparatuses, methods, or a combination thereof. Oneor more functions or components of any of the disclosed figures asillustrated or described herein may be combined with one or more otherportions of another function or component of the disclosed figures.Accordingly, no single implementation described herein should beconstrued as limiting and implementations of the disclosure may besuitably combined without departing from the teachings of thedisclosure.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been describedin detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, andcomposition of matter, means, methods and steps described in thespecification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein can be utilized according to the present examples.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for removing hair accumulated inbristles of a brush, the system comprising: a brush comprising a bodyhaving a first end and a second end; and a plurality of bristles coupledto the body, the plurality of bristles comprising: a first set ofbristles; and a second set of bristles; and a cleaner assembly distinctfrom the brush and configured to be removably coupled to the brush, thecleaner assembly comprising: a frame; and a flange coupled to the framesuch that at least a portion of the flange is configured to, during acleaning operation, be inserted between the first set of bristles andthe second set of bristles via the first end or the second end, travelbetween the first set of bristles and the second set of bristles, and beremoved from between the first set of bristles and the second set ofbristles via the first end or the second end.
 2. The system of claim 1,where the body comprises a surface that defines a channel between thefirst set of bristles and the second set of bristles, the channel has afirst opening at the first opening and a second opening at the secondend.
 3. The system of claim 2, where body comprises metal and thesurface comprises ceramic.
 4. The system of claim 1, where the brushfurther comprises a lead-in feature configured to guide the flange intoand out of position between the first set of bristles and the second setof bristles.
 5. The system of claim 4, where the lead-in feature istapered to expand in a direction away from the plurality of bristles. 6.The system of claim 1, where: the body comprises a surface that definesa plurality of channels, each channel configured receive a portion ofthe flange; and the cleaner assembly is configured such that, when theflange is positioned between the first set of bristles and the secondset of bristles, the cleaner assembly extends about at least a partialcircumference of brush.
 7. The system of claim 1, where: the cleanerassembly comprises a plurality of flanges that includes the flange; thebody comprises a surface that defines a plurality of channels; and theplurality of flanges includes a first number of flanges, the pluralityof channels includes a second number of channels, and the second numberof channels is greater than or equal to the first number of flanges. 8.The system of claim 1, where the first set of bristles comprises one ormore row of bristles.
 9. A cleaner assembly for operation with a brushto remove hair accumulated in bristles of the brush, the cleanerassembly comprising: a frame; and a plurality of flanges coupled to theframe, the plurality of flanges configured to be removably coupled to abrush during a cleaning operation associated with the brush.
 10. Thecleaner assembly of claim 9, where at least a portion of each flange ofthe plurality of flanges is configured to, during a cleaning operationassociated with the brush, be inserted between neighboring rows ofbristles of the brush, travel between the neighboring rows of bristles,and be removed from between the neighboring rows of bristles.
 11. Thecleaner assembly of claim 9, where: the frame defines a first openingand a second opening; an entirety of each flange of the plurality offlanges is positioned between the first opening and the second opening;and at least one flange of the plurality of flanges comprises an edgeliming the first opening and configured to cut or tear one or morehairs.
 12. The cleaner assembly of claim 11, where: the at least oneflange comprises a hair lift feature configured to guide the one or morehairs towards the edge; and the frame has a circular ring.
 13. Thecleaner assembly of claim 9, where: the frame defines a first openingand a second opening; and the plurality of flanges comprise: a firstflange comprising a first cutter facing the first opening and configuredto cut one or more hairs; and a second flange comprising a first groovefacing the first opening and configured to collect the one or morehairs.
 14. The cleaner assembly of claim 13, where: the first flangecomprising a second cutter facing the second opening; and the secondflange comprising a second groove facing the second opening.
 15. Amethod of operating a cleaner assembly for a brush, the methodcomprising: coupling a cleaner assembly to a brush of such that a flangeof the cleaner assembly is positioned between a first set of bristles ofthe brush and a second set of bristles of the brush; adjust a positionof the flange with respect to the brush such that the flange travelsbetween the first set of bristles and the second set of bristles; andremoving the cleaner assembly from the brush.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the cleaner assembly configured to lift hair in a directionaway from the brush as the flange travels between the first set ofbristles and the second set of bristles.
 17. The method of claim 15,further comprising, via an edge of the flange, cutting, breaking, ortearing one or more hairs coupled to the first set of bristles and thesecond set of bristles during travel of the flange between the first setof bristles and the second set of bristles.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising: passing an entirety of the brush through an openingof the cleaner assembly; and after removing the cleaner assembly fromthe brush, removing hair from the cleaner assembly.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein: coupling the cleaner assembly to the brush comprisesinserting at least a portion of the flange into a first end or a secondend of a channel of the brush positioned between the first set ofbristles and the second set of bristles; and removing the cleanerassembly from the brush comprises removing the portion of the flangefrom the channel via the first end or the second end of the brush. 20.The method of claim 19, wherein the portion of the flange is insertedinto and removed from the first end.